​​​​​​​Area of Study

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Search Degrees​​

Master of International Business

Think globally and strategically, and become a successful business leader on the international stage.

Overview

Structure

Entry requirements

How to apply

Student experience

FAQs

​

TabContent1

Why choose this master’s degree?

Gain a solid grounding in international business as well as broad scope of business knowledge and skills

Unique experience of internationally based learning

Be taught by experts in their specialist fields

Develop ability to think globally and strategically and become an effective and successful leader in the global business environment

Wide range of electives: Ability to select courses and design a program that meets your professional needs

Recognition of prior learning: Up to 4 courses may be awarded based on your previous studies in business

Global opportunities: Opportunity to go on an overseas exchange

Who is this degree for?

You’re a graduate with a non-business degree seeking a postgraduate degree in international business

You’ve a business degree and interested in studying a new area of specialisation

You’re looking to work in a global business environment

Job and career prospects

This degree is designed for those seeking a rewarding career with a multinational company, government agency, trade commission or any organisation with global business connections. Career opportunities include:

Business development manager

Business project manager

Director of international operations

International business analyst

International business product manager

International trade compliance manager

Policy advisor

Trade commissioner

TabContent2

The Master of International Business is a 2 year degree program consisting of 16 courses (96 UOC):

Seven core courses

Eight elective courses

One capstone course

CourseLookupText1

Core courses

The globalisation of business and the challenge of dynamic political, economic, social and technological environments. The impact of cultural differences on international business transactions and international management. The evolution and development of the multinational enterprise and alternative contractual modes including exporting, licensing, franchising and manufacturing, international acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances. Theories of the internationalisation process and foreign direct investment by multinational enterprises. The relationship of multinationals with governments and issues of political risk.

Course outline

Understanding cultural differences, and effectively managing these differences are critical to working, communicating and transferring knowledge in multi-cultural and international business environments. The aims of this course are to provide conceptual and theoretical frameworks for developing an understanding of the ways in which cultures differ, how these cultural differences impact on organisations and how they constrain communication and knowledge transfer.

The course also considers strategies for managing and valuing the diversity within organisations. Topics include the nature and dimensions of culture, challenges in managing cultural differences, issues relating to cross-cultural problem solving, the dynamics of multi-cultural teams, leadership across cultures, cross-cultural perspectives to motivation and decision making, the nature and management of knowledge within different cultures and across cultures, and global approaches to managing conflict and conducting business negotiations.

Further topics include human resource development across cultures and issues unique to global management including cross-cultural entry and re-entry transitions, problems relating to expatriation and the challenges of managing global careers.

Course outline

Global Business Strategy and Management introduces a set of contemporary strategy concepts and theories to help students identify important and consistent principles that a firm can use in making decisions that will ultimately determine a firm’s success or failure in a global business environment in the long term.

The course brings together the leading scholarly thoughts on the economic basis of global business strategy and covers topics such as how to organize firm boundaries, how to identify the sources of a firm’s sustainable competitive advantage, how to analyse the effectiveness of alternative internationalization strategies and the corresponding roles of subsidiaries, how to apply the most important tools and techniques for global strategic planning both at corporate and business levels, and how to assess the impact of information technology on global business strategies.

Course outline

This course provides an in-depth analysis of business development of Asian enterprises in a dynamic institutional context. It considers the business activities of multinational enterprises in the Asia Pacific Region including those from Japan, Korea, China, India, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore. Topics include:

The policy context of competitive advantage, dynamic learning and innovation in Asian businesses

State guided capitalism

The role of networks, market and non-market institutions

Foreign direct investment and export promotion

Comparative analysis of business and management systems in East, South East and South Asia

Course outline

Most contemporary university courses treat negotiation without considering cultural context. Yet, as business is ever more involved in the global economy, there is an ever greater role for cross-national and cross-cultural negotiations. The purpose of this course is to investigate how negotiation, as a process, differs across national contexts and cultures.

Course outline

Examines the impact of culture on the process of managing human resources in multinational or global corporations. Topics examined include:

The conceptual and methodological challenges in international HRM research

The role of culture in shaping managerial perceptions and actions

HRM systems as cultural artefacts

Conflict between indigenous HRM frameworks

The problems of transferring HRM systems across cultural boundaries

Issues such as expatriation versus local management, selecting and preparing for international assignments, intercultural competence, cultural adaptation at the individual and system level, the management of host country nationals and joint venture partnerships, and the influence of globalisation on future HRM practice are also examined. The course also examines the global uniformity/differentiation policy debate and its implications for global organisations.

Course outline

This course is suited to graduates and professionals who wish to follow a career path in the Risk function in organisations, where the role may have evolved from a variety of functions which may include the traditional responsibility of the management of systems, operations, people management, reputation, safety, health, environmental risks as well as financial and accounting.

The course explores the social and business context of risk, organisational features of the risk management, principles and functioning of governance systems, the roles of the risk function and staff in risk management, systemic relations of risk and line management, the role of power and influencing in managing risk. The course also examines features in responding to regulatory and compliance requirements, covering concepts of audit, policy and governance and their relationship with risk management in organisations.

Course outline

This course is designed to teach basic techniques that have proved useful in making business decisions. The basic quantitative skills will be presented in the context of practical problems of interest to business managers.

The general themes for the course are "Making Business Decisions" and "Interpreting Business Data". Specific business problems are introduced under each of these themes and the quantitative procedures needed to solve these problems will be presented.

Course outline

An introduction to economic analysis and policy, with particular application to decision-making in business. The course provides students with the tools to use economic principles in decision-making and an understanding of the broader economic environment in which business decisions must be made.

Course outline

Develops a basic conceptual framework to understand modern investments. Students learn to evaluate alternative investment strategies, develop a more complete understanding of the risk-return relation, and discuss recent developments in investment management. Surveys various financial markets and provides a review of the instruments used to allocate capital and manage risk. Topics include measuring risk and return, designing portfolios, pricing risk, valuing equities, valuing fixed income securities, hedging with derivatives. Students are assessed through a variety of means; including quizzes and exams, computer exercises, and case study discussions.

Course outline

Other
cognate electives

This course introduces the analytical tools used in the analysis of financial statements. It extends beyond the accounting process to enable students to identify and understand the economic reality behind the accounting numbers used in financial statements.

Focusing on real world examples, the quality of financial statement information is comprehensively examined to detect and correct any distortions necessary to improve the economic content of the financial statements, including their comparability. Quantitative analytical tools are then used to conduct detailed financial analysis of corporate profitability and risk.

The accounting and financial analysis skills acquired in the course are essential in making successful decisions in numerous business contexts, including:

Course outline

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to apply their cumulative learning, and build practical business and leadership capabilities within a social entrepreneurship context. Social entrepreneurs use business thinking to develop operating models aimed at creating positive social outcomes to reach people in need. The course is taught through genuine student engagement in a social entrepreneurship project, supported by both online modules and face-to-face strategy workshops. Each practicum experience will be different depending on the particular project on which each student will work. Assessment tasks are designed to provide a consulting style framework to both create value for the social entrepreneurship project, and to enable students to demonstrate their ability to apply and synthesise social entrepreneurship concepts. Assessments include project scope setting, a project presentation, a final project report, and a critical review and reflection.

The course can be taken either as a Master of Commerce and Master of Commerce (Ext) capstone practicum course or as an elective in one of the following Master of Commerce specialisations: Accounting (Management Accounting) or Management and Human Resource Management (Innovation & Entrepreneurship) . If taken as a capstone, it should be studied in the final semester of the program in place of the nominated capstone of the main specialisation. The course is offered during the standard semester periods or as an intensive course during Summer and Winter.

This course is by application only. Criteria for enrolment include: academic merit, genuine interest in social impact, any extra-curricular activities or experience in related fields.

Course outline

Management of the financial functions for firms operating in several separate countries. Necessary theory and evidence basic to an understanding of international capital and foreign exchange markets, the benefits of international diversification, use of the capital asset pricing model in foreign investment decisions and cost of capital for multinational corporations, financial management of multinational corporations, foreign direct investment and financial and political risks, the role of multinational banks and the financial benefits of Euro-currencies and Euro-bonds, international equity markets and financial management of multinational corporations in new regions such as APEC, NAFTA and the EU.

Course outline

Provides students with an understanding of international banking and finance in the contemporary environment. Due to the dynamic nature of the international banking environment, it is necessary to develop skills to effectively identify and understand the effects of current developments. Firstly, the international banking functions are presented; international trade financing, participation in the interbank foreign exchange and Eurocurrency markets, international investment banking services, and sovereign lending. In addition, other important topics are presented; international money laundering, international banking and debt crises, regulation of international banking activities, and offshore banking markets. Some of the topics covered may vary over time.

Course outline

This course aims to equip you with both theory and practical skills in the management of projects, project portfolios and large scale programmes. These skills are critically important to a range of careers in business, for students who intend to be project managers as well as those who will work as part of a project team.

The course will examine the key phases of the project management cycle and describe the various tools and methods used in each of those phases. The course will consider both theoretical and practical perspectives and equip you with the necessary skills to be able to better manage or participate in projects.

There will be a very strong emphasis on research-led teaching and critical analysis of the literature, textbook recommendations and their use in practice. Also as part of the course, students will research a set of key emerging, topical issues in project management. Through this, the course also aims to further develop your communication skills and group-work skills, improve your time management and enhance your research skills.

Course outline

This course introduces the key concepts of supply chain management. Students will improve their ability to understand the interconnectedness of business units and organizations within the supply chain. Supply chain management deals with the management of materials, information and financial flows in a network consisting of suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and customers.

The coordination and integration of these flows within and across companies are critical in effective supply chain management. The course addresses questions about the sourcing of materials; supply chain network design; the relationships with suppliers and customers; the use of information from end consumers; the coordination of information flows and the ways in which incentive systems can be arranged so that the overall performance of the chain is optimised.

Course outline

As markets globalise firms are increasingly looking beyond their domestic market for growth opportunities. This course highlights the conceptual, descriptive and strategic issues involved in identifying and capturing international marketing opportunities. This includes the various environments that have an impact on international marketing (economic, technological, socio-cultural, political-legal and corporate), and the implications these have on marketing strategy.

The regional focus of this course is Asia, with attention given to such issues as market entry strategies, product adaptation, business-to-business negotiations and the influence of culture on consumer behaviour in the region. Guest lecturers and case studies are used to highlight key points.

Course outline

Understanding employment relations is essential for managing and representing today’s workforce. This course aims to enable students to analyse national systems in employment relations as well as understand and manage representation and dispute resolution at the workplace level. The course schedule is equally divided between these two levels at which today’s managers and labor leaders must operate.

This course is required for Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) Professional Accreditation in Human Resource Management

Course outline

The aim of this course is to examine, from applied and theoretical perspectives, the issues and element critical to international human resource management. The particular focus is on the managing of human resources in the multinational firm, and the associated effects of national cultural and institutional environments on the processes and practices associated with managing human resources in the international firm.

The course provides the international dimension on a number of HRM functions, including staffing, training, performance management, remuneration and expatriation/repatriation. The course also gives attention to characteristics and models of human resource management in various countries/regions of the world, including the Anglo-Saxon, European, South-east Asian and Japanese models.

Course outline

Developments in technology, telecommunications and deregulation which have taken place in the latter part of this century have led to the creation of a global economy. This subject addresses the legal environment of this economy and aspects of its operation. Topics include GATT and the World Trade Organisation; the laws and practices relating to international sales and financing agreements; arrangements for conducting international business, including franchising, licensing, joint ventures and technology transfer; the resolution of international disputes and the protection of intellectual property.

Course outline

In the world economy, barriers to international investments are rapidly falling. Of the remaining barriers some of the most significant are differences in tax systems, and the inadequate coordination of different tax systems. This course discusses the principles relevant to international taxation and uses the Australian international tax rules to highlight possible international tax policy choices and problems. Prospects for the improved coordination of international tax rules through harmonisation and through bi-lateral and multi-lateral treaty networks are examined. Special emphasis is given to practical tax issues associated with international direct investments.

Course outline

Capstone course

This is a capstone course for the Master of International Business degree program. Students are provided an opportunity to integrate, evaluate, and reflect on, the knowledge and experiences gained from their studies in the program, in the context of global business. The course will incorporate multi-dimensional approaches to cases, issues and challenges for international business in encountering different cultures, institutions, and organisations in varied environments and countries. Emphasis is placed on critical, innovative and integrative thinking in peer learning and reflection in facing business and societal challenges.

Alternative entry

Applicants who do not have a credit average within their bachelor degree may be assessed on other performance indicators. For example, an applicant with an above average mark obtained in a Bachelor degree (for Australian qualifications this would be in the range of 60-64%) may result, on a case by case basis, in an offer being made based on the following performance indicators:

GMAT score of 600 or above. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is an exam created to measure the academic abilities needed to succeed in graduate management education. Further information can be obtained from
www.gmac.com

Completion of other undergraduate, postgraduate or research qualifications

Professional qualifications completed through relevant professional bodies, for example the Institute of Chartered Accountants or CPA Australia

Relevant work experience is not a requirement but may be taken into consideration as an indicator of performance to support the application

Recognition of Prior Learning

Up to 4 courses (24 UOC) may be awarded based on your previous business studies (bachelor or higher). You will be notified of the credits in your official letter of offer.

Students who are not graduates of Australian or NZ universities

For students who have studied at overseas universities, the normal minimum academic requirement is the equivalent of a credit average grade (65%) from an Australian university, as determined by the UNSW Postgraduate Coursework Entry Calculator. Details on assessment will be determined by your grading system so it is important that this is attached with your transcript when you apply.

Note: Applicants from non-211 universities in China wishing to study Postgraduate Coursework in the UNSW Business School, must achieve a minimum overall average of 88 in their current university’s grading system. This is equivalent to an 85% Australian scaled average using the calculator.

We will use the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR). They are the government body that provides official information on the comparability of overseas qualifications with Australian qualifications using the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as our benchmark.

In those countries where an equivalent grade has not been established, the following will be taken into consideration:

The standard and content of the undergraduate program completed, and

The standard of the institution from which the qualifications were obtained

Indian universities award different types of bachelor and master degrees, with different requirements in terms of length of study. At a minimum, applicants would be required to have a 3-year bachelor degree or professional bachelor degree and provide all individual marksheets.

Iranian universities award different types of bachelor degrees, with different requirements in terms of length of study. At a minimum, applicants would be required to have a 4-year bachelor degree.

TabContent4

Application checklist

Before you apply, ensure that you:

Choose the right program that matches your interests and career aspirations

Meet the entry requirements of the program

Check if you are eligible to apply for credits or advanced standing based on recognition of prior learning (RPL) for this program

Late applications may be accepted after the closing dates subject to the availability of places.

Need help?

Still need help finding the right postgraduate business program for you?
Contact us now.

TabContent5

We know you're busy balancing postgraduate study with your personal and other work commitments. So UNSW Business School's dynamic learning spaces, facilities and student support helps you make the most of every day on campus.

Expand your professional network

Your postgraduate cohort is more than a valuable future business network – you'll make lifelong friends in class and at a range of social events. Join a student club – there are more than 180 social, cultural, sports and professional clubs to choose from. The Graduate Student Association is a great place to start. Find out more

All the support you need to achieve

If it has been a while since you last studied, you may need to brush up on your skills. We'll help with study skills workshops and Career Mentoring programs. Our Meet the Executive series offers unique behind the scenes business insights and the Business School's LEAD Business Leadership program, as well as many other orientation, leadership and mentor programs, can open the door to new opportunities. Find out more

Stay active on campus

Exercise boosts your mental wellbeing and can help you deal with exam or assignment pressures. It's easy to stay fit with state of the art sporting facilities on campus, including a 50m indoor pool, fitness centre, squash courts and a range of competitive sports teams. Find out more

Everything you need in one place

The UNSW Kensington campus is like a village hub, with cafes, bars, banks, a post office, medical and dental centres as well as retail outlets. It's a short bus trip to Sydney's CBD, many beautiful beaches, the SCG and Centennial Park, and movie theatres at Fox Studios. Find out more

Make the most of every opportunity

Your postgraduate degree is a unique chance to get a new perspective on life. So get involved – as well as student clubs and social activities there are internships, volunteer projects, competitions and international exchanges on offer. It's a great way to further develop your leadership, project management or specialist skills.